Spring wildflowers in the Capital
our lands become a sort of stage featuring one of the most beautiful performances: the emergence of spring
These ephemeral flowers bloom in early spring, before the growth of leaves on the trees.
For that reason, it is considered to be the flower that announces the arrival of spring.
Unlike dandelions, coltsfoots flower before they grow leaves, and they bloom earlier in the spring than
Now you’ll be able to identify some of the region’s spring wildflowers.
Spring on the Greenbelt’s Trails
When the snow melts and nature wakes up, many of you want to get out and enjoy the spring air.
Warning: the area’s flora and fauna are fragile during the spring thaw and the trails can be muddy or
Here is what you need to know to prepare for an outing in the Greenbelt this spring.
Spring
Spring wildflowers
What Spring Means for Wildlife
Animals in particular undergo certain changes in behaviour that signal spring is coming.
In the spring, though, all animals that hibernate leave their deep sleeps for good.
They start to take advantage of the more abundant food supply and comfortable conditions that spring
Spring also welcomes new baby animals to the forest floor, such as deer and coyotes.
It’s not just us humans who celebrate spring by spending more time out and about.
Gatineau Park trails in spring
When the snow melts and nature wakes up, many of you want to get out and enjoy the spring air.
But be careful: the Park’s plants and wildlife are fragile during the spring thaw.
Here is what you need to know to prepare for an outing in Gatineau Park in the spring.
Spring
Spring wildflowers
Construction of new Westboro Beach Pavilion to begin this spring
milestone allows this important Capital-building project to move forward, with construction beginning this spring
Canada’s Capital to shine next spring with the Liberation75 tulips
liberation of the Netherlands, bright orange Liberation75 tulips will flourish in Canada’s Capital in the spring
Top Spots for Tulip Gazing in the Capital
Close to the ruins of Lieutenant Colonel John By’s house, you will find clusters of naturalized spring
Over 20,000 Canada 150 tulips will be blooming in the park this spring.
In the spring, “Olympic Flame” tulips are paired with “Jan Seignette,” a tulip with reversed colours
A mix of naturalized spring bulbs has also been introduced in the adjacent traffic triangle.
The lawn area leading to the fountain showcases a carpet of naturalized daffodils in early spring.
Mud Lake trail rehabilitation and pedestrian bridge replacement
The pedestrian bridge will be closed to the public from October 13, 2022, to spring 2023.
Phase 1: Fall 2022–spring
Phase 2: Spring 2023–summer 2023
Improvements to trail.
Tulip Planting Season Is Here
7, 2017
12:00 am
Last updated: October 20, 2021
Each spring
Step 1: Choose a site
Choose a planting bed in full sun or bright light in spring.
Ottawa–Gatineau
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3:00 pm
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Spring
Monday, May 13, 2019
1:36 pm
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Spring
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
11:04 am
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Spring
Closure of sections of the Ottawa River Pathway behind Parliament Hill
Map
West section: Portage Bridge to Cliff heating and cooling plant (June to spring
Ottawa River Pathway from Portage Bridge to the Cliff heating and cooling plant, from June 2022 to the spring
behind the Supreme Court from June 2022 to winter 2023, with the escarpment project taking place from spring
Reconstruction of Ontario and Quebec shorelines
In spring 2019, serious flooding caused major damage to the Ontario and Quebec shorelines of the Ottawa
The flooding in spring
Landscaping and reinstatement of the shorelines will be completed in the spring.
2021: Work on the Quebec
Rehabilitation of Jacques-Cartier Park South
Spring
paved paths, parking lot)
Repair of damaged infrastructure
Fall 2020 (completed)
Hydroseeding
Spring
Winter parking lots
The other parking lots close for the season in mid-November and reopen in the spring, when the weather
Greenbelt
All Greenbelt parking lots remain open during the winter, with the exception of P24 (Carlsbad Springs
Colonel By Drive Retaining Wall Rehabilitation
Process and timeline
Spring to Fall 2021 (complete)
Rehabilitation of the highest-priority sections
Spring 2022
Lighting and landscaping
Leamy Lake Electrical Distribution System
The electrical distribution system and the parking lot lighting system were damaged during the spring
Phase 1 was completed in fall 2018, and the system proved resilient during the spring 2019 flood.
Britannia Pathway Wall Rehabilitation
The Britannia pathway wall is at the end of its life cycle and also was damaged in the spring 2017 flood
Then during the spring 2019 floods—the worst flooding levels in recorded history in this section of the
The 2017 initial design was substantially upgraded following the spring 2019 floods to mitigate future
Tulips in the Capital
Every spring
Along the Rideau Canal
The iconic Rideau Canal corridor is also a must-visit during spring.
Major’s Hill Park, for example, is one of the best sites to see tulips blooming in the spring.
Blogs
Spring
Parks
Spring
Voyageurs Pathway Repairs
Pathway, from the Portage Bridge to the Canadian Museum of History, was severely damaged during the spring
Damage
Spring flooding in 2017 severely damaged a 700-m section of the Voyageurs Pathway between the
Mer Bleue
reasons, dogs are not allowed at any time on the Mer Bleue Bog Trail or Dewberry Trail, or at Carlsbad Springs
The parking lot P24 at Carlsbad Springs offers free parking, but is closed in winter.
The springhouse at Carlsbad Springs
In the 1860s, Daniel Eastman, a local innkeeper, began inviting
guests to the natural mineral springs in Carlsbad.
In 1906, the hotel was renamed Carlsbad Springs after the famous health spa in the Czech Republic, called
The Canada 150 Tulip Was a Labour of Love and National Pride
Ottawa–Gatineau
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Spring
Monday, May 13, 2019
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Spring
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
11:04 am
Blogs
Parks
Spring
Six things you didn’t know about tulips in Ottawa–Gatineau
Every spring
Every spring, you can see close to a million tulips of 100 different varieties in bloom in our parks.
Their work contributes to the general surprise and wonder we feel when the tulips bloom each spring.
Spring
While you’re out admiring the tulips in bloom, we are already planning for the next year.
Early spring
When the snow melts, we inspect the sites, and remove the fences — usually in April.
Capital Culture Lives Here
2021
Spring
Spring: A workshop was held to explore the vocation of other properties in the Outaouais region.
Conservation and scientific research in the Greenbelt
Spring
What spring
Land use plan for Ruisseau de la Brasserie (Brewery Creek)
current conditions, issues and integration of the site with the urban concept
Public consultation
Spring
The first round of public consultations will launch in the spring.
Report on Activities - January 2020
All that remains to be done is some topsoil replacement and seeding, to be completed this spring.
assembling a first draft of the Gatineau Park Master Plan, which we expect to share with the public in early spring
Phase 3 will begin later in the spring.
Work will resume in spring following the tendering for the remaining elements over the winter.
Rehabilitation of the Philippe Lake campground
Removal of trees to prepare for work in spring 2023.
Spring–fall 2023: Resumption of work
More details to come
Why did the snake cross the road?
Snakes often move across roads in the spring and fall.
In the spring, they leave their preferred winter retreats — often the same ones used each year — and
Responsible Trail Management in Gatineau Park
The NCC is seeking volunteers to carry out Phase 3, which will begin in spring 2021.
of 25.1 km of trails in the Old Chelsea and Meech Creek Valley sectors
Update: Work will resume in spring
2021
Phase 4 (upcoming: spring 2023 / fall 2024)
Integration of 58.3 km of trails in the Eardley
Mud Lake pedestrian bridge closure
The pedestrian bridge at Mud Lake will be closed to the public from October 13 until spring
Champlain Bridge Rehabilitation
Phase 1: August 2022 to November 2022: Repairs to west side of the bridge
Phase 2: Spring-Fall 2023:
Repairs to the middle section of the bridge
Phase 3: Spring-Fall 2024: Repairs to the east side of
Temporary closure of the Britannia Pathway
This second phase will be completed in Spring of 2023.
Adapting to Climate Change
Earlier springs
Spring will start two weeks earlier.
A warmer and wetter climate
Annual precipitation (spring, fall, winter) will increase by 8%.
Accessibility in Gatineau Park
Pioneers Trail
From spring
Sugarbush Trail
From spring until fall, Sugarbush Trail is partially accessible to wheelchair users.
Capital Pathway
From spring until fall, the 12.5-km stretch of the Capital Pathway network running
From spring until fall, users can get to these lookouts by car or shuttle bus, according to a variable
Temporary closure of a section of the Voyageurs Pathway
This section of the pathway will be closed until Spring 2023.
Completion of work in Jacques-Cartier Park South
The NCC had undertaken the rehabilitation of Jacques-Cartier Park in the spring of 2020, because of significant
LeBreton Flats pathway
Remaining works, such as pavement painting, landscaping and signage installation, will be completed in spring
Timeline
Online consultation period: January 22 to February 14, 2021
Design approval: Spring 2021
Lusk Cave
The cave is open from spring
Parking: The Parent Beach parking lot is open from spring
Life Below Zero
branch can support, they quickly realize that not all plants have the same ways of surviving until spring
herbaceous plants die, allowing the roots and bulbs to save the energy needed to grow again in the spring
When spring arrives, the buds are already there, ready to open.
Report on Activities - November 2019
The project is scheduled to be finished next spring.
Sir John A.
Bridges
Underwater foundations of the Champlain and Portage bridges were inspected following the spring
rebuilt, with design work being carried out over the winter and construction work to begin in late spring
Report on Activities - January 2019
Pathway
The Voyageurs Pathway, which suffered severe damage in devastating flooding in spring
community of Arlington Woods, and will be meeting with the community to review the strategy in the spring
Thanks to the volunteers two new trails opened last year, and more are expected to open in the spring
Shoreline Stabilization at Victoria Island
Island shoreline was severely damaged, and incurred extensive erosion, as a result of the 2017 and 2019 spring
Repairs to Commissioners Park water systems
Commissioners Park is best known for its dazzling display of tulips in the spring, but the park is open
Rideau River Eastern Pathway Rehabilitation
Spring 2021 (completed)
Plant new vegetation to help stabilize the shoreline.
Rehabilitation of the Wright-Scott House
2021: Design phase
Fall 2022 to Spring
Rehabilitation of a section of the Gatineau River Pathway
Summer 2022 – Spring
Rideau Canal Lighting Rehabilitation
Implementation: Spring
Champlain Lookout Retaining Wall Reconstruction
In spring
Tesasini Park
The park is scheduled to open in spring 2023.
Philippe Lake Parkway
Project implementation
July 2019 to Spring 2020
Work will be undertaken Monday to Friday, 7 am to
Picnicking
There are also unsheltered picnic areas by P20 and P21 parking lots, and one by Carlsbad Springs (P24
Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries
In the spring, the 2.65-hectare Rockcliffe Rockeries offer a burst of colour with hundreds of thousands
Report on Activities – April 2021
This spring, the NCC will assess the environmental remediation requirements at Ruisseau de la Brasserie
But we are working with PSPC to find a temporary solution for next spring.
entrance of the Embassy of the United States and 4 planters will also be added to their entrance for spring
Rehabilitating Champlain Bridge to ensure resilience and safety
The second phase of construction is scheduled to begin in spring
2023 and continue until fall 2023.
The last phase is scheduled from spring to
fall 2024.
Don’t miss these Instagram-worthy tulips in the Capital this May
Ottawa–Gatineau
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
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Spring
Monday, May 13, 2019
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Spring
Thousands Participate in Public Consultation on LeBreton Flats
The report, which will be made public in the spring, will also inform subsequent phases of the project
evaluation committee will present its findings and recommendation to the NCC Board of Directors in the spring
Stillwater Creek Wetland Enhancement Project
Blanding’s turtle
Amphibians: Western chorus frog, leopard frog, green frog, bullfrog, wood frog, spring
In the spring, you may hear the accelerating dropped Ping-Pong ball call of the field sparrow and the
Rehabilitation of the Colonel By Fountain
Phase 2: Spring-summer 2020
Above-ground works, including work to the fountain’s pipes, basin and lights
Confederation Boulevard Rehabilitation
Spring
Report On Activities - November 2017
Following the spring floods, the NCC is still unable to reopen the section of the Voyageur Trail between
In total, the extensive repairs required after the spring floods will cost $3.4 million and additional
sustainable development strategy to the public, stakeholders, and the advisory committee of the NCC in the spring
NCC to close 24 Sussex Drive
for this project will occur over the winter months to ensure the prompt start of abatement work in Spring
Parliament Hill Escarpment Rehabilitation
small section of heavily damaged escarpment with rip-rap to help it withstand future flooding.ing in spring
Wharf rehabilitation at the Jacques-Cartier marina, in Hull
expected to take about two weeks, includes the following:
excavation
concrete work
asphalt (in early spring
Enhanced Look and Greater Access: Coming Soon to the Portage Corridor
Work on these sites will begin later in the spring.
to the Richmond Landing shoreline
Phase 1 of the project, which will be substantially completed in spring
Report on Activities - April 2018
Online consultations will begin this spring.
The tenant expects to reopen the café this spring.
Survey on Gatineau Park parkway use
The feedback provided by participants will be considered as part of parkway programming for the spring
Pine Grove Wetland Enhancement Project
The project is scheduled to begin in fall 2022, and should be completed in spring
Gatineau Park Parkways Schedule
The parkway schedule for the summer will be announced in spring
The pilot project launched in spring 2020 is continuing.
2022 May 7:
Extension of the pilot project
Give thanks this season with a dedicated personal tribute that also enhances the Capital’s parks — NCC launches new Park Bench Dedication Program
This plaque will be installed in spring 2021 in Major’s Hill Park.
ByWard Market Improvements
Work will start in spring 2022, and should be completed by winter 2022–2023.
New climate projections for the National Capital Region will help in planning resilience initiatives
The National Capital Region will become warmer in all seasons, and wetter during fall, winter and spring
The calendar of the seasons will shift, with later fall and earlier spring.
Report On Activities - January 2018
damaged by last year’s flooding, and work to rebuild the Voyageurs Pathway is expected to begin in the spring
More Lab sessions are planned for the winter and spring.
Capital Pathway
Universal accessibility: From spring to fall, most of the pathways are accessible for people with a mobility
Every spring
Major's Hill Park
Major’s Hill Park is an exceptional site to see tulips blooming in the spring.
NCC Board of Directors receives update on the Gatineau Park Master Plan review
consultation process for the Gatineau Park Master Plan review regarding the directions and policies will be in spring
24 Sussex Drive
for this project will occur over the winter months to ensure the prompt start of abatement work in Spring
This work is scheduled to begin in Spring 2023.
Virtual Public Board of Directors Meeting
Construction is planned to start in spring 2022.
Construction will begin in spring 2021.
Major Infrastructure Projects
approximately $6 million into the restoration of multiple pathways and infrastructures severely impacted by the spring
electrical distribution system
The Leamy Lake electrical distribution system, badly damaged during the spring
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan
plans
Public and stakeholder consultations: Fall 2023
Phase 4
Draft plan
Public consultation: Spring
National Holocaust Monument
Street, as well as the upper terrace, the Flame of Remembrance, and the elevator, are closed until spring
Changing the Palette of the Landscape
Throughout the spring
Old Quarry Trail
In the spring, tree frogs can be heard.
NCC Takes Aim at Climate Change Impacts
Next steps
Fall 2022 to Spring 2023: Development of the 10-year Climate Adaption Strategy
Summer 2023
Site Remediation at Victoria Island
A temporary capping and fencing program was completed on the west side of Victoria Island in spring 2018
Management of Lymantria dispar dispar moth
In 2022, severe defoliations are expected again due to a particularly dry start to the spring, which
Mud Lake
Partial closure
The pedestrian bridge at Mud Lake will be closed to the public from October 13 until spring
Lesser-known hiking and walking trails in and around Ottawa–Gatineau
Commissioners Park at Dows Lake is one of most visited sites for its tulip displays during the spring
In the spring, the Arboretum’s beautiful pink cherry blossoms are a must-see!
Investing in the National Capital Region’s Infrastructure
including the NCC’s two interprovincial bridges, largely targeting assets that were damaged in the spring
health and safety issues, including the Champlain Bridge, as well as those damaged by the flooding in spring
Capital Culture Lives Here: NCC launches artist-in-residence program with SAW Gallery
A workshop is being planned for spring 2022 to explore community needs and a potential focus for each
Pangishimo Park: New Shoreline Experience on Chaudières Island
Scheduled to open in spring 2021, this park will boast a universally accessible pathway network connecting
Report on Activities – January 2022
on the site, including the footbridge connecting Nepean Point to Major’s Hill Park, will continue in spring
to the Board in April to seek final design approval and they anticipate a construction start in late spring
Gatineau Park’s in-between season
Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (spring to fall)
Gatineau Park: list of hiking trails (winter)
NCC unveils draft plan for Building LeBreton: Dynamic, Thriving, Connected and Sustainable
recommended Master Concept Plan and launch of a call for development proposals for the Library District
Spring
Revitalization of the NCC River House
of new, universally accessible public dock infrastructure
The landscaping work should start this spring
COVID showed us ways we can make our cities more liveable
From Spring to Autumn 2020, the NCC opened its parkways to people, closing the majority of its 100 kilometres
Collaboration on Major Work on Meech Lake Road and Changes to Gatineau Parkway’s North Loop
As of Spring 2021, after the Municipality has repaired the Meech Lake Road between Gatineau Park lots
Managing the Capital Core: An Exciting Challenge!
In spring 2017, historic flooding damaged the pathway behind Parliament Hill, which I’m responsible for
NCC Canada 150 projects create lasting legacy in the Capital
The Canada 150 tulip graced the Capital’s gardens, and gardens across the country, this spring.
The Creation of Gatineau Park
Park destination and the host of many festivities, including an annual celebration of the coming of spring
This species is particularly vulnerable to road mortality during the spring nesting season, as well as
NCC’s guide to cycling in Ottawa–Gatineau
A post shared by Lauren E (@ottawalauren)
Every weekend from late spring
Instagram
Une publication partagée par NCC-CCN (@ncc_ccn)
From late spring
Report On Activities - June 2018
Victims of Communism
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion expected in the spring
Conservation at Gatineau Park
Protecting the Chorus Frog and biodiversityIn early spring, biologists working on urban lands in Quebec
Mackenzie King Estate
Trails
Parking lot P6 is the starting point for hiking trails and mountain biking trails from spring
A host of NCC projects set to entice Ottawans to get some fresh air
restaurateurs around the Capital, plans are afoot for additional locations, with details to come this spring
The Making of Gees Bees Honey Company
When move-in day came that spring, we discovered a colony of honeybees living in the walls of the house
Site 1: Sussex Courtyards
Heritage Dossier: Sussex Courtyards, Spring 2018. In English only.
du Toit Allsopp Hillier.
Citizen Science
Documents
Citizen Science in Gatineau Park: 2018 Spring
It’s important to “leave what you find” in the Capital
In spring 2021, the NCC seized 7,000 wild leek bulbs that had been illegally picked in Gatineau Park.
35 ideas for winter activities in Ottawa–Gatineau
Celebrate the arrival of Spring by going to the sugarbush, such as the one at the Log Farm.
The buzz on bees
Provide flowers throughout the whole season, as bees are active from spring to fall, depending on the
Report on Activities – October 2020
Pilot project on NCC parkways
The NCC remains in Phase 2 of its 3-phase re-opening process after this spring
Report on Activities - April 2020
The Britannia Pathway Wall is substantially complete and ready to contend with potential spring flooding
Report on Activities - April 2019
Portage Bridge Rehabilitation
This spring the NCC will install the barrier along the Portage Bridge
Canadians Dig Their History
A great example of this approach is the workshops we held over the winter and spring at the Moore Farm
NCC Volunteers: Portraits of passion and generosity
John enjoys sharing with others the richness and pleasure of seeing the garden come into bloom each spring
How cities are adapting to climate change
ICLR)
A battle on many fronts
The Voyageurs Pathway severely damaged by the spring
The art of maintaining Gatineau Park’s ski trail network
End of season: Jumping into spring
At the end of the season, even if temperatures remain below zero
Park Bench Dedication in Canada’s Capital Region
Installations are done twice a year, in the spring and fall.
Meech Creek Valley
Activities in Meech Creek Valley include hiking and mountain biking from spring until fall and, in winter
Pink Lake
Normally, a lake’s water layers mix completely each year during the spring and fall, because of water
Guided Tours and activities for school groups
students can be a accommodated per activity, with about 30 students per guide on the trails during the spring
This year’s green initiatives
We will be seeking your feedback on a draft strategy in spring 2023.
Urban biologist: For the love of nature
In the spring and summer — just like the plants and animals that I study — I’m more active.
Report on Activities - September 2019
The tree replacement program launched last spring is now 50% complete.
A Year in the Life of a Nature Interpreter
Spring
Behind the Scenes: Bistro in Confederation Park
Monday, May 13, 2019
1:36 pm
Blogs
Parks
Spring
Blog
Spring
What Spring
Hiking and Walking in Gatineau Park
Take in the lookout on the Lauriault Trail and, in the spring, the lovely Bridal Veil Falls.
Report on Activies - June 2017
A parallel launch event scheduled for Gatineau was posponed due to this spring’s flooding; it was held
News
Construction of new Westboro Beach Pavilion to begin this spring
Canada’s Capital to shine next spring
Board of Directors Meeting
Next steps:
April 2020: Preparation of the approval letter for schematic design
Spring/summer
Stories of Our Past
Seventy-five acres of fully equipped picnic fields at Hog’s Back Falls were opened to the public in the spring
Open NCC
We plant everything from spring bulbs and summer annuals to all-season perennials on federal parklands
A 2022 00099
Add vibration isolation (either spring or neoprene) to the draft inducers
This approach has already been
Implementation in Spring 2022;
This portion fits within the current budget.
:o be implemented Spring 2022
A-2022-00099-00146
RELEASED under ATIA
DIVULGUE en vertu LAI
3.
For your information, we have a big event planned with Summer and Winter Olympians this Spring.
Vinyl applied on site for reference as RH might consider postponing to next spring for implementation
A 2022 00121
In spring 2022, during the planning phase, the CoE estimated the total project cost at
$1.425M (class